Business blooms for brothers

The brothers never dreamed the fruits of their labor would one day lead to a farm of their own, let alone a growing business that includes a market and restaurant. They opened A&L Restaurant next to their farm market last fall.

“We thought by having the restaurant, people would come to the farm market,” Miguel said. “And somebody driving by might stop at the restaurant and come next door and shop at the farm market. There aren't too many Mexican restaurants in that area."

The growing operation began in 1981 when Al bought a 67-acre farm in Grand Haven Township. Miguel bought into the operation two years later.

In 2010, the brothers opened the A&L Farm Market on 40 acres at 13930 Lake Michigan Drive in West Olive. The market sells berries, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, squash and other crops. They also sell wholesale to major retailers such as Meijer, Costco, Sam's Club and Wal-Mart; and they operate blueberry farms from West Olive north to Hart.

At the restaurant, the Mexican cuisine features family recipes perfected by Al's wife, Maria. The lineup includes burritos, tortas (Mexican sandwiches), tacos, homemade salsa, beans and rice, and other traditional Mexican fare.

A Sunday buffet features breakfast items as well as American and Mexican specialties.

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